They say you can’t wear white after Labour Day and, although it feels like summer just started, that holiday weekend is almost here.

But there’s really no rule that says your home can’t wear white — the brightest of colours, it’s an interior staple — year round. My favourite white (which I have put to good use with many clients over the years) is Benjamin Moore’s OC-65 Chantilly Lace. It’s true, white character has no pink, green or yellow undertone and works perfectly with any décor.

Lately I’ve been inspired to write about the sophisticated southern style that comes from decorating with white. After travelling to Vancouver and Calgary for a media tour, I flew west again (and south) to stay at The Modern Honolulu hotel in tranquil Hawaii. This trip came not long after visiting the James Royal Palm in colourful Miami, and Casa Angelina on Italy’s Amalfi Coast: two more striking examples of the power of white-on-white decor.

Here’s my guide to three different ways to work with this airy palette — and bring a breath of fresh air into your home — any time.

White on white: With wood

Casa Angelina exudes classic Italian elegance: interiors are minimal and architectural, and especially so in their colour scheme. Keeping the walls white lets two other things stand out: the breathtaking natural blues outside and sculptural art inside. To create this timeless look, keep all of the essentials strictly white (including bedding, upholstery, walls, windows — everything) so that only the most precious objects are highlighted.

The character of traditional wooden boats drifting by just offshore are reflected in the hotel design: here, further drama is introduced by wood flooring. The rich, varied hues of mid-tone grains are brought to life by stark walls as their natural depth contrasts the clean, man-made forms. Pair dramatic woods with a white palette to keep the overall effect simple.

In public spaces, furniture pieces — such as desks — are faced with sheets of mirror, causing them to visually vanish and extending the look of the beautiful flooring.

TIP: If you’ve invested in beautiful hardwood (or simply want a cabinet or bar to appear to float) mirror the exterior to let that wood steal the show.

Some of the rooms even use white-washed floors. The look stays inviting because of the mix of materials — combine stained wood, metal trims, ceramic pottery and sheer and opaque fabrics for a calming palette where texture is the focus over colour.

White on white: With off-white

The Modern Honolulu, as well as offering exceptional service, also provides a very tranquil environment. Their peaceful palette was not as stark as Casa Angelina’s, instead combining pure whites with pale taupes and beiges to carry the spirit of sandy beaches indoors.

TIP: Use soft grey carpeting (a very practical shade), slip-covered furniture in light beiges, pale woods such as teak, lightly veined stone or marble for accents and clear glass for a scheme that gives an airy atmosphere without looking (or being) high maintenance.

The Modern uses traditional Hawaiian fabrics and lots of beautiful flowers as colour pops — a perfect way to bring in a vibrant hue without committing to it long-term.

The hotel also adds playful elements, such as real working ukeleles, to keep the rooms fun. Their tone-on-tone decor is a great opportunity to pair new finds with old favourites, and combine periods: as long as the palette stays consistent, you can easily mix high- and low-end furnishings, and antique with modern.

White-on-White: With colour pops

The James Royal Palm, found in sizzling Miami, exemplifies South Beach style — all about bright colour pops and eye-catching art. If pure white-on-white doesn’t excite you, follow the Royal Palm’s lead and use art to add interest, letting the solid walls remain a blank, white canvas.

The hotel uses oversized prints (such as palm leaves or wild colour strikes), applied whimsically to backrests and arms of generous sofas and chairs to give bursts of life. Translate this look into your home by reupholstering just a section (such as the back or seat) of drab dining chairs — using a small amount of fabric lets you choose a dramatic favourite without fear of overwhelming yourself.

At the James, even everyday items are treated like art: often bathroom fixtures are framed with stretches of contrast tile, and the effect is both surprising and beautiful.

TIP: Applying tile like this in a bathroom or kitchen can highlight a great feature while also injecting some textural contrast in a modern way. Try using small subway tile in a dark colour to break up larger, lighter pieces.

One of the most memorable design details here was the treatment of pendant wiring: when renovating, the hotel allowed lamp cords to create organic forms on the walls to become a unique feature rather than a problem.

TIP: When adding new pendants (or sconces) at home, consider painting your cord a bright colour to add an even easier modern pop, or masking it with a gold-toned metal cover for a glam look.

How to use white

Yanic Simard, principal of Toronto Interior Design Group, appears every two weeks. Read his blogs and contact him at tidg.ca, or follow him on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Houzz and Pinterest. He will appear Aug. 13 and 15 at 9 a.m. on Cityline, and is design editor of New Condo Guide.

If a bright white design sounds like your kind of hotel getaway at home, simply decide which approach suits your style, follow my tips and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation in no time.

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